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NHS Library Essentials

A guide to library services and key resources for NHS staff

Borrowing books

Books can be borrowed from the shelves using our self-service machines. If all copies of a book that you want are out on loan you can reserve a copy by placing a hold. See the step by step guide and 'how-to' video at the bottom of the page

Borrowing rules

You can borrow books for 1 week or 3 weeks

- 1 week loans have 'Week Loan' labels on the spine.
- Print journals and books marked 'Reference only' cannot be borrowed.

Your loans will be automatically renewed until the expiry of your library membership (this needs to be renewed yearly)

- To manage your account, view your loans and check your fines, sign in to Hunter using the Sign In option in the top right-hand corner.

- NHS staff can obtain their library account login by emailing library@sgul.ac.uk

Renewing is not always successful, these are the main reasons why:

- An item will not be renewed if another person has reserved it
- You cannot renew any items if you have outstanding fines of £10 or more

Remember! If items are lost, damaged or returned late you will have to pay a fine or charge:

- Overdue fines (per day): 20p per day on recalled items.
- An invoice for the cost of replacement will be issued for non-returned, lost or damaged items.

Finding the books you need

Follow the instructions in the below video to find the book you need in Hunter

Borrowing books

You can scan multiple books at the same time - just place them on the scanner plate.         

           Instructions:

          1. Place your book(s) on the glass plate.

          2. Scan the barcode on your ID card.

          3. Press the 'Check out' option on the screen.

          4. When finished, press 'Print receipt' or 'E-mail receipt' to find out when                 your books are due back.

Returning books

When finished with your book(s), return them using the book return slot outside of the library

Reserving a book

To reserve books
  • The ‘Locations’ tab in Hunter will tell you if there are any copies available. If all the copies have the status ‘On Loan‘, you’ll need to sign-in in order to place a hold on the book.
  • Log in to Hunter. You will need your Library username and password. If you have trouble logging in, please call 020 8725 5466 Monday - Friday, 8am – 6pm, or email library@sgul.ac.uk.
  • Once signed in, select 'place a hold'
  • You will receive an email when the reserved book(s) become available, including instructions on how to collect them.
  • You have 7 days from the date of the email to collect your book(s). After this time, they will be returned to the shelves and will have to be requested again if still needed.

If you have any questions, please email library@sgul.ac.uk.